Monday, June 29, 2009

Food To Bring To A Picnic

Bring a new treat on your next family picnic.


Family picnics are a great way to show off a new recipe that you love, and a fun place to experiment with dishes you've never tried before. Instead of the same old pasta salad and cookies, fix something new for your next family picnic.


Tortellini salad


Prepare one package of cheese tortellini according to the package directions, until the pasta is al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water. Mix together the drained tortellini, one chopped red bell pepper, one chopped green bell pepper, and 1/2 cup ranch dressing. Stir until completely mixed, cover and refrigerate until time for the party.


Pinwheels


Purchase flat breads in different colors, like spinach and tomato flavors. Lay out a flat bread, and layer half the bread with slices of turkey or ham, from the center to the edge. Add another layer of cheese slices, covering the meat. Finish with a line of mayonnaise or salad dressing down the center of the flat bread. Beginning at the edge with the meat and cheese, roll toward the center, finishing with the edge without filling. Cut the rolls into 1-inch slices and secure them with decorative toothpicks or toothpick flags.


Brownies


Begin with commercial brownie mix, but make it better for your picnic. Before baking, add chopped walnuts or pecans, mini marshmallows or mini chocolate chips. Bake as usual.


Berry trifle


Cut a commercial angel food cake into 1-inch cubes. Using a large glass bowl, make the trifle in layers. Begin with a layer of cake cubes. Top with a layer of mixed strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, either fresh or frozen. Top with a layer of vanilla pudding. Repeat these three layers, then finish with a layer of whipped cream. Serve into bowls with large spoons.







Tags: with layer, Begin with, bell pepper, family picnic, flat bread, into 1-inch